How To Get Passport In A Week?

Recently, the ministry of external affairs has declared two major changes to fasten the application process of passport applicants. The changes will enable the applicants to secure an appointment at the local passport seva kundra.

As per the news, it is informed that citizens will be granted a fresh passport in a week provided with all the documents such as Aadhaar card, electoral photo identity card (EPIC) and PAN Card. It is essential for the citizens to comply with all the policies mentioned in the application form. One should be a citizen of India, prompt submission of family details and should have no criminal records.

Usually, the process will take a month with the police verification and other formalities. The police verification will be conducted once the passport is issued. No extra charges will be levied for the applicants. The government authorities will validate your Aadhaar number online and approve from the granting officer.

In addition, the PAN cards and EPIC will also be validated by the officer at the earliest stage of application process. In case of any false reports, passport will be cancelled or rejected by the authorized persons.

Message from the Director

Anil Kumar Sobti, the director of passport division said that the upgrade process will help the applicants to get passport on earlier basis. He also stated that there are plenty of inbuilt safeguards in our system to find out fake identities and forgeries. Moreover, the link with Aadhaar database will easily guide us in conducting real-time verification of the applicant.

Indians can now get a passport in a week. Here is the process:

Step 1

Fill the application form for passport

Step 2

Attach a valid copy of Aadhaar Card

Step 3

Attach valid electoral photo identity card

Step 4

Submit a valid PAN Card

Camping Tips & Guidelines To Enjoy Pleasant Holidays

If you have planned to escape from the city life and enjoy the scenic nature, plan a camping trip. Camping is an adventure where you make use of caravan, tents or no shelter at all. It offers lot of fun and at the same time you must remain while camping. Check out the tips to completely enjoy your trip below:

Maintain Hygiene

Cleanliness is the first thing that you need to look on your camping. Make sure to clean your body and clothes well. It is always better to pack the basic things related to hygiene such as sanitizers, cotton balls, sponge, etc. Don’t use any fragrant lotions, scents or perfumes as it may attract the bugs.

Carry A Survival Kit

Be prepared to face all challenges in your camping travel. Pack all the essential equipments like survival knives, water purification tablets, waterproof matches and flashlights.

Leave Nothing At The Campsite After Leaving

Preserving nature should be the first goal of any traveller. You should move out of the place without leaving any trace or waste. Try to bury the human waste deep into the ground and don’t leave any equipment that harms the environment or animals.

A Sleeping Bag Is A Must

One has to carry a quality sleeping bag on their camping trip. This bag enhances the sleeping experience and help to rest peacefully. If you couldn’t find a one, make use of heavy duty plastic bag to cushion your head instead of a pillow.

Know The Camping Checklist

Here is the list of items that you must carry on your camping trip:

• Tent

• Ground cloth

• Axe

• Dust pan

• Sleeping bag

• Air pump

• Stove with fuel

• Matches/lighter

• Paper towels

• Cook utensils

• Towels

These are some of the important camping items. You may take more items suiting your trip. Follow the above tips and have a safe journey.

Top 5 Ways to Become a Millionaire- How to Become a Millionaire?

Anyone who is interested to become a Millionaire can follow these simple steps in this article.

Becoming a millionaire is not a difficult task as there are numerous ways to achieve the milestone. Some people start their own business, others will do real estate or they just simply try out some lottery winning on a game show. One of the most important points to note is that people need not be wealthy or earn six digit salaries at the start of this journey.

There are many people who earn over $100,000 and they keep paying huge mortgage dues and show off with their fancy car. This is not actually a good improvement from business point of view. Famous scholars said “Anyone can become a Millionaire”. Check out the top 5 things that you need to become a millionaire in a specified period of time below:

Earn Income

It is essential to make more money as you can. The more you earn, the faster you become a millionaire. If you are the only person who earn income, then it may be difficult to achieve the target. So, ensure to marry a girl as you can have dual incomes. All the household and other expenses can be handled at an ease. Suppose, if there is a condition that a person earns less than an average income, then lose hope.

Be proactive and find alternate ways to increase your income. When you try, definitely you will get a number of options in your mind.

Live Within Your Means

You have an income and how do you spend it? Yes, this point is a valuable one as most of the people spend their income in restaurants, pubs, movies and more. They don’t understand the real value of money and so it happens. People have to ensure that they spend their income in an organized manner. You need not be stingy or lead a miserable lifestyle. Make a plan, estimate your budget and activate accordingly.

Save Money

Saving always offer great results. In your every month salary, take a fixed amount and save it. You will surely be happy seeing at the end of year results. The best way to save money is to open a bank account in a recognized bank and start depositing every month. Check in internet to find out the best banks that offer good returns.

Invest Wisely

Like saving money, investment also matters. Sticking to one bank account will not help you to reach your goals. You have to search for reliable investments and start your process. There are number of investments like shares, gold, mutual funds, land and so on. It is up to the people to select the right type of investment suiting to their need.

Stick With Your Plan

Never feel lost at any point of time. Your confidence is the most important criteria for becoming a millionaire. If you find yourself lost in any place, take your to-do-list and regain your things to do in an effective manner.

Modi Announces Merger Of PIO & OCI, Lifetime Validity

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi created history at Madison Square Garden on September 28 as he addressed a record breaking footfall of Indian Americans at the giant indoor stadium on Sunday morning. Modi’s speech at Madison went viral within hours of the live broadcast both among the Indians and the Indian American community. The crowd went wild with the Prime Minister’s speech and social media burst forth with hashtags of #ModiinAmerica and #Modified.

A much important issue that Modi addressed on Sunday was that of PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) card holders. As Modi declared to the huge crowd, PIO holders will now get lifetime validity and exemption from police registration. This is an endeavor to facilitate visa-free travel to India, rights of residency, ownership of property (non-agricultural), participation in business and educational activities in the country.

This announcement in particular also comes as a pleasant surprise for many Pondicherrians living abroad, notably in France. Pondicherry which was under French rule until 1962 had many citizens opt for French nationality, many of them are now settled in France but have family and assets here.

A Person Of Indian Origin is a form of identification issued by the Central Government of India, to a person of Indian origin or their spouse who holds a passport in any country other than Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Modi has also announced the merger of PIO and OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) cards. OCI cards are made available for people of Indian origin living in other countries. The merger of these two cards could make PIO card holders eligible for the same benefits that are enjoyed by OCI card holders and facilitates a simplified process.

“I have been told that due to differences between PIO and OCI people face difficulties, especially those who have spouses who are not Indians. I am happy to announce that we will merge the PIO and OCI schemes and make it into one,” Modi said.

“Happy?” he asks the cheering crowd. “There is even more to come,” he says with a smile.

New Director At Alliance Française De Pondichérry

Alliance française de Pondichéry (AFP), one of the oldest in the world and the first Alliance française of Asia bid adieu to its charismatic director Fabrice Mongiat in August. Olivier Litvine, who was the director of Alliance française de Dhaka (AFD), has now taken over the directorship of AFP.

As the new director, Litvine’s first project will be a photo exhibition titled ‘War and colonies (1914-1918)’. The photo exhibition was organised at AFD by Litvine earlier this year commemorating the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. Litvine is planning to bring this exhibition to the “French town” of India on November 11^th, Armistice Day. Armistice Day is celebrated as a global commemoration of the day the pact was signed between the Allies and Germany at Compiègne in France to put an end to World War I.

Speaking to Centenary News, Litvine said, “The photographic exhibition is ‘no Spielberg exhibition’ just the faces and postures of real men fighting a dirty war.”

The exhibition features a rich collection of photographs from the battlefields of World War I including 35 rare photographs of colonial troops in the Great War. Many cities in India are currently hosting this exhibition and it is an incredible opportunity to have it come to Puducherry on Armistice Day. Around 6.5 lakh colonial troops fought in the World War I including an estimated 1.5 lakh Indians.

Apart from the photo exhibition, the new director is also planning ‘Encounters’, an annual Indo-French festival where artists and writers from France as well as India who were influenced by the French culture will have a common platform to showcase their talents. Musicians from Réunion Island are also expected to participate in this festival. Litvine also plans to encourage a collaboration of French designers and local talents to bring in a taste of French Fashion to Pondicherry.

PondyART’s New Exhibition Cum Pop-Up Market

PondyART is organizing its new event “The Big Indian Street Picture” by Dhruv Dhakan and Swarat Ghosh on 12 September at the Old Distillery, at the end of Beach Road.

The exhibition will open this Friday at 5pm. The photographs will be on exhibit until mid-October and will remain open for the public eye from 11 am to 6 pm. The Department of Tourism, Govt. of Puducherry is supporting this endeavour of PondyART as are The Hindu, Kasha Ki Asha, Trikaya Photos and Palani Hills Design Center. The exhibition will be opened with an on-site Pop-Up Market to emphasize and support the show’s presentation of street life.

The participants of the Pop-Up Market include but are not limited to Divaart, Takla Makan, Sharana, Raga and Kriti NGOs, Aicha, Naushad Ali, Ocean, Will’m,  Artyzan, Muthu Leathers, Harmony House and Kasha Ki Asha.

“The Big Indian Street Picture” will have selected works of Dhakan and Ghosh, both Indian photographers who have captured the scenes of India in color and black and white. Dhruv Dhakan is a street photographer and graphic/web designer based in Ahmedabad. Swarat Ghosh, a visual designer by profession is based in Hyderabad. The photos captured in cities like Ahmedabad, Varanasi and Hyderabad speak of moments and people and offer a record of vibrant street life.

PondyART, which was created in December 2012, runs monthly exhibitions at the Old Distillery. As per the motto of Pondy ART, ‘To Get Art Out There’, it utilises public space to build awareness of the issues challenging India today through fine art photography.  Pondy ART also organizes Pondy PHOTO an annual photography festival.

Five Myths About Pondicherry You Better Not Believe

If you’re planning a trip to Pondicherry, be prepared to be supplied with a mix of facts and exaggerations. Or allow us to sift the truths from the myths.

Myth 1: Inebriated men straggle in the streets

I can vouch that spotting  a bottle of mineral water in Pondy is much harder than finding a bottle of liquor- which by the way, is available in every third store! But in no way does it imply that Puducherry is crawling with people in various states of intoxication.

Yes, taxes are low and liquor is cheap. Drinking is a weekend ritual (weekdays too)! Yet, Pondy is generally considered safe for travellers. Read the umpteen solo-travel blogs or ask the many women enjoying a seat at the Promenade beach, all by themselves.

Myth 2: Everyone speaks French

You are likely to be understood if you say ‘Bonjour’, but if you venture to practice your French verbs on the local population, you may draw a blank- or a confused stare! We may have bilingual street signs, a significant expat population and  a number of fluent French speaking Pondicherrians, but it is a misconception that every second person you meet, can converse in French. Even the rues  and churches have their own vernacular equivalents. So if you’re navigating the heritage town with a map ,stick with landmarks like buildings and statues.

Myth 3: If you’re not after the beach or the booze, there’s little Pondy has to offer

Pondy, notorious for its laidback atmosphere and a sense of ennui, is often considered as a place to ‘just chill’. While the beaches- and we admit, the booze- are big draws, they are not the only ones. The mix of French and Tamil heritage, the spiritual vibes rooted in the city and the spread of international cuisine have been charming people for a long time. And from mid- 2014, the city is in the middle of a makeover as a festival destination. In the last few weeks alone, festivals geared to lure foodies, kite-lovers, marathon runners have all been launched. Be it yoga, film making, photography, painting, shopping , surfing, scuba diving or bicycling- the multiple interests in you will find something to revel here.

Myth 4: Pondy is a slice of France

Pondy is dubbed as the French Riviera of India, but those who have sauntered the streets of ‘Gay Paree’, will tell you it is a far cry from the chic European city. True, the boulevards, kepi-wearing policemen, croissants and French names that crop up all over the city, keep the French influence alive. But it is the co-existence of two different cultures that blend beautifully every now and then to create Franco-Indian food, architecture and heritage that makes Pondicherry unique.  After you walk the cobbled lanes of the French town, stroll through the thinnai- fronted houses in the quaint Tamil quarter, look for remnants of the past in the colourful Muslim quarter and shop at the bustling local markets to experience Pondicherry in totality.

Myth 5: Auroville is in Pondicherry; Pondicherry is in Tamil Nadu

If you’re writing a blog or posting up an album on Flickr after your trip to Pondy, it is always good to get your geography right! So repeat after us- Auroville is in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry is well, in Pondicherry. Though geographically located within Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry is a union territory. What does that mean? Well, less power-cuts, for one thing!  The misconception that the international township of Auroville is part of the  UT, exists perhaps because of its spiritual roots in the city ,or its proximity.

A bonus truth:

Nothing in Pondy is far away: If somebody tells you that some spot if  quite far- take the advice with a pinch of salt. Or if you’re from Bangalore, Chennai or any metro, simply ignore it. In Pondy parlance, anything beyond four kilometres is far. You can get to these ‘far’ places, in the same time you go from T. Nagar to Saidapet in normal evening traffic!

 

Tamil French Dictionary: Overcoming The Language Barrier

In an effort to help the Tamil speaking people residing in France to overcome the language barrier, H. Nagarajan, a native of Puducherry now residing in France has compiled a French-Tamil dictionary. This dictionary called Dictionnaire Français Moderne runs to more than 700 pages with detailed entries and meanings in French and Tamil. Apart from the usual word-meanings, the dictionary also features an annexure which has commonly used French terms, abbreviations, idioms and phrases, slang, colloquial words and expressions used in the French language.

Nagarajan, who learnt French at the Alliance Française in Puducherry was quoted by The Hindu as saying, “After my graduation from Tagore Arts College in 1974, I got an offer to work in France. But, language was a barrier. I sought to bridge the gap and joined a French language course at the Alliance Française. I picked up the language to help me adapt better to jobs and later settled in France”.

Nagarajan, now a French national is competent in both Tamil and French and hence was able to compile this dictionary, but not without difficulties. Seven years of hard work and efforts have gone into compiling this bilingual dictionary from classical French dictionary. Nagarajan feels that the obstacles he faced in compiling this dictionary pales in comparison to its huge success among people.

France has a considerable population of Tamilians from India and Sri Lanka, including refugees who are not very fluent in French. This bilingual dictionary will be immensely helpful for Franco-Tamils to adjust and cope better in France.

Are You “Franco-Pondicherrian”?

It always makes me smile when hearing someone ask me “Are you franco-pondicherrian?” Though I truly understand what this question entails, I cannot prevent myself time and again from thinking “what on earth does he mean?”. Yet, anyone who will have spent time in Pondicherry will have got to hear of this expression at some point or another.

What makes this expression bizarre is the fact that you would normally call someone who had a dual French and Indian citizenship, a “Franco-Indian” (or “Indo-French” for those who feel slightly more inclined towards the Indian side!). Putting aside the fact that India does not recognize dual nationality yet, the question remains, what is a “franco-pondicherrian” then? Is it a dual French and Indian citizen whose roots are from Pondicherry? Well, it appears that a franco-pondicherrian is in fact a French citizen who, despite not being from a legal point of view Indian, is still referred to by his origins to the Indian city of Pondicherry. I guess this term allows to differentiate between the French nationals and Indian nationals who both consider themselves as being truly Pondicherrians. Though it always takes me aback when hearing this term, in a strange way, I relate to it at the same time.

Being myself a French national whose roots are from Pondicherry, using this term immediately conveys a sense of where I belong to and where I come from. It conveniently bridges these two cultures to which French nationals who hail from Pondicherry are often profoundly attached to. Per se, the term is probably misleading, as a franco-pondicherrian is entirely French from a legal point of view and, as to my knowledge, there are no people of former French colonies called this way, but then again, this is a specificity that is somewhat amusing. Critics might say that this is an unfair way of distinguishing French people according to their country/place of origin and there may be a truth to this.

Would it be more socially acceptable to say “French of Indian origin”? Or why not “French of Pondicherrian origin”? But does this make much of a difference all said and done? I see utter confusion when I tell the person asking me whether I am a franco-pondicherrian, that I am in fact French, American, and Pondicherrian all at the same time! I guess this comes to show how diverse the inhabitants of Pondicherry are today, and what makes this city a truly charming melting pot.

Returning To The Seat Of Freedom

 We all know the story of India’s independence from British rule. What about Pondicherry’s liberation from French rule? Watch the story unfold at Kizhoor, a sleepy village, 25 kilometres from the city.

“India’s freedom came at midnight, but Pondicherry  woke up to freedom at dawn,” reads a plaque in a dome-shaped room at Kizhour village, perched on the border of Tamil Nadu. While Pondicherry, like the rest of India, celebrates August 15 with the usual pomp reserved for the occasion, it also quietly rings in August 16, the ‘de jure day’, when Pondicherry was finally recognized as a union territory of India.

Interestingly, it is in the hamlet, around 25 kilometres from the city, that Pondicherry’s story of demand for independence from French rule took a definite course towards its culmination. At the end of a recently laid road tunneling through an avenue of trees, and flanked by green fields , is the memorial  that commemorates the end of colonialism and the dawn of a new era for Pondicherry.

Right next to the Government Middle School, stands an enclosure with four flat marble columns, etched with names from top to bottom. These are the names of the 178 people who voted in the historic referendum that decided the fate of Pondicherry- to join the Indian union or not. On October 18, 1954,the dome shaped structure adjacent to the enclosure, must have been filled to capacity as these representatives of the municipal council  and members of the representative  assembley from Pondicherry, Mahe, Yanam and Karaikal shaped the course of the land’s history. A whopping majority of 170 voted in favour of the merger of French territories with the Indian Union.

The occasion was a milestone in the chequered course of the quest for Pondicherry’s liberation which strengthened after Indian independence in 1947. At this site today, is a permanent painting exhibition depicting the decisive moments and Kizhour and the aftermath. While the memorial was inaugurated on August 16, 1972, the exhibition was opened on the  50th anniversary of ‘de jure day’  in 2004.

Though pictures hang on crooked frames and could do with a more appealing display, a short tour lets you relive those moments , all those years ago. Copied from photographs that are also framed at the gallery, the paintings depict Lambert Saravane, submitting a motion calling for transfer of four French Indian settlements to the Indian Union to the French national assembly and the signing of the merger by Keval Singh and Pyer Lendhi, representing Indian and France, respectively.

Scenes from a victory procession with thappu and nadhaswaram are a glimpse of the celebrations that must have broke out after the verdict. Events that followed are also chronicled including the hoisting of the Indian tricolor in the Government House after transfer of power ceremony and the first visit of Jawaharlal Nehru to Pondicherry after its merger with India.

A few portraits of key personalities like Muthucoumarappa Reddiyar, E. Goubert and Venkatasubba Reddiar line the dusty shelves. Notices condemning the French rule, newspaper clippings chronicling various milestones, Preamble of the Treaty of Cession,all provide more insights. A few cartoons say it all without words- one depicts India as a woman in saree looking aghast at a French policeman dangling a cage with her four babies – each named after each one of the French territories. Congratulatory messages from the Prime Minister and President laud the friendly spirit of the negotiations, going on to express hope that Pondicherry would remain a centre of French culture.

Yet, the road to a complete merger took some more time-  the de facto transfer of  power came into effect on November 1, 1954, after which Pondicherry, became part of the Indian union (November 1st will be celebrated as Puducherry’s Independence day, from 2014 onwards). But only on August 16, 1962, France ratified the treaty of cession, giving India full sovereignty over the territories it held.

To reach Kizhour, take the Villianur road and the turn at the next sign on the left after Pangur. The memorial Is open between 7 a.m to 7 p.m on all days including Sundays. History once, was created here, and you can still feel it breathe.

Top 10 Activities to do in Pondicherry

Pondicherry is regarded as the top picturesque destination that offers a good life, entertainment, hotels, calm weather, tourist attractions and more. One of the most beautiful part of the city are the cobblestoned streets of the French quarter, they’re just ‘Oh! So French!’ right in the middle of the Tamil hinterlands. You will definitely be able to experience an ultimate journey on your trip to Pondicherry. To make your trip special, just check out the top 10 activities to be done in Pondicherry below:

Embrace Pondy’s cultural diversity

If you are planning to explore the tradition and culture of Pondicherry, then get into the cobblestoned streets leading to the bustling bazaars of the city. The city holds many religious shrines such as Varadaraja Perumal in the Hindu Quarter, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in the Christian Quarter and Khutbah and Meeran mosques in the Muslim Quarter. Moreover, the tourists can also choose to meditate in silence in the leafy courtyard of Aurobindo Ashram.

Soak up all the French-i-ness

The church of Notre Dame des Anges, the marble statue of Jeanne d’ and the garden concerts at the Alliance Francaise’s Maison Colombani – Café de Flore would make your trip to Pondicherry special than ever before. Get a French culture booster shot at Alliance Francaise and Institut Francais de Pondicherry (IFP).

Take a boat ride at Chunnambar

Chunnambar, the boat paradise is located in the south of on Cuddalore road. This fascinating tourist spot would be the best destination to chill out in your summer vacation. Spend a lazy afternoon boating or go for a sea cruise and spot dolphins. You could also pack a hamper, speed boat to Paradise Beach and make a nice picnic of the day.

Get blessed by an elephant

Hand a coin to Lakshmi, the resident elephant at the Manakula Vinayagar temple and you’ll get her blessings; a thump from her trunk on your head. Having survived attempts by French missionaries to pull it down, the popular 500 year old shrine is dedicated to the elephant-headed god, Vinyagar.

Indulge in Franco-Tamil Cuisine at a Restaurant with No Name

Maison Perumal is a restored Chettiar mansion that is now a resort. But like in a house, the rooms are not numbered or named and the restaurant too has no name. Gorge on delectable seafood platters amidst brass ooralis, sepia photos and coloured glass window panes filtering the sun in rainbow colours.

Take in a Breath of Fresh Air at Bharathi Park

A treasure trove of 900 exotic plants, an aquarium, a toy train and a musical fountain, this is the perfect place for an evening walk. In the centre, stands the white Aayi Mandapam. The park is centrally located at the site of the demolished Fort Louis and military parade ground.

Learn Something New at Auroville

The inhabitants of Auroville are able to sustain themselves with the aid of the craft, Auroville products are world renowned. You can learn from them the craft of making different items like handmade paper (Auroville Papers), indigo-dyed clothing (The Colours of Nature), incense manufacture (Encens d’Auroville) and bodycare (Maroma Spa). All processes here are environment friendly and energy-efficient.

Take a History Lesson at Pondicherry Museum

Once upon a time Pondicherry was a flourishing port town called Poduke and there was a Roman trading settlement at Arikamedu. The century old Law Building, erstwhile residence of the French Administrator, displays Roman pottery and Megalithic burial urns. There is a transport gallery with palanquins, carts and the Pousse Pousse, a vehicle pushed from the rear and steered by a rider, on display. Other pieces of interest include period furniture like tête-à-têtes (S-shaped sofas), comptoirs, escritoires (writing tables and desks) and the cot used by French Governor Dupleix (1742-1754), whose bust adorns the museum.

Go Café Hopping

The place is heavily influenced and what is French culture without cafés? Baguettes and croissants, French pastry and great coffee or wine; most importantly superb ambience! There are cafés that have live music some evenings too, try out as many different ones as you can!

Shopping

The most amazing artsy environment friendly stuff – handmade paper, lampshades, jewelry, ethnic Indian clothing, trinkets, paintings, candles, all this and more you’ll find in the Auroville store. The Hidesign store in Pondy is pretty amazing too. On the streets, you’ll find amazing cotton kurtas and skirts and pyjamas at bargain prices.

That’s the best of Pondicherry for you!

Light House

When you go for sightseeing in Pondicherry, you will find an old lighthouse on Goubert Salai. This 19th Century Lighthouse in Pondicherry is a significant landmark in Pondicherry. Its unique architecture of a round tower has made it a modern lighthouse at the time it was built. 

There is an interesting story behind the construction of the 19th Century Lighthouse in Pondicherry. At that time, there was no signal for the ships coming to Pondicherry. 

The only light that was there was the fire located on the top of the Red Hills, and it was not serving the purpose at all. Therefore, all the principal merchants and captains of the ships set up a committee and asked the government to build a lighthouse. After much delay the project was finally taken up during the tenure of Governor Saint Simon in 1835.

The engineer of the project, Louis Guerre laid the foundation of the 19th Century Lighthouse in Pondicherry at the end of 1835 and the inauguration ceremony of the lighthouse took place in February 1836. The 29 meter high lighthouse with the unique features of round tower and a square base took just few months to be completed and the cost was just 10,000 francs. The foundation of the lighthouse was made with nine meter deep masonry wells which stabilized the building on the sandy ground. When the 19th Century Lighthouse of Pondicherry was in operation then its light was seen from a distance of 15 miles.

This strength of light was provided with six oil lamps and two reflectors. The beautiful view was not restricted to just the night sea travelers the citizens of Pondicherry could also see the view from the top after dropping a little money in a box at the gate of the lighthouse. The lighthouse keeper was a Frenchman who was paid 600 francs a year for lighting it at the onset of evening. This lighthouse was subject to changes at various times. The major change was made in the structure when a round base was built encircling the older square base of the lighthouse.

The first floor of the lighthouse was an addition made at the beginning of the 20th century. Modernization came in the method of lighting also, first it had electric lights in 1913 and then in 1931, a more powerful lamp was placed there. So, when you go for a trip to Pondicherry make sure you do not miss this 19th Century Lighthouse at Pondicherry, which is however, not in use in the recent times. It is accompanied by a new one which is of modern technology. However, the lighthouse was not used from that time since the beacon that was coming from France did not reach Pondicherry till that time, and therefore the first time it was lighted was in 1St July, 1836. The 19th Century Lighthouse in Pondicherry is regarded as a milestone in French technical achievements in Asia.

Arikamedu

One of the must visit places in Pondicherry is Arikamedu. Arikamedu is a great tourist spot as it has a lot of historical relevance. A lot of students arrive here on study tours periodically.

It is located on the banks of the Ariyankuppam River about 4 km from Pondicherry. This place is remembered as trades centre of the Romans a number of centuries back.

The place was excavated several times and it was concluded that this city was essentially into bead making and fishing and had trade relations with the Romans. This place is assumed to be the place of Roman settlements nearly 2000 years ago. Remains of a French Jesuit Mission House assumed to be built in 18th century are also visible here. Historians and archaeological enthusiasts are frequent visitors here.

Wine was supposed to have been imported whereas exports included textiles, glass, and so on. Chola coins have also been found here. The excavations brought into light several important findings of olden time. There have been references made of this ancient city in Tamil as well as Roman literature. The findings of Arikamedu have been preserved in the Pondicherry museum for all to see.

A present day visitor is not likely to find any specimens of the excavated material. There are the perpendicular walls and the mission houses which are the only remnants of the past.The trenches created by the excavations have been filled up. Now the place has a thick mango and coconut plantation. Tourists can take the river cruise which is about 20 minutes and enjoy the view of the Veerampattinam Beach.